Mother in hospital 2 hours away?

Question

My mother in is the hospital two hours away. I can't go be with her because I have two small children at home and she's there by herself. She's on a lot of pain medicine because she had a pretty serious surgery on Friday. My dad was there all day today, but is now on his way home because my little sister has school in the morning. I just spoke to my mother on the telephone and she seems disoriented (probably the pain medicine) and is saying that the nurses are mistreating her and they have her shoved in a closet somewhere. I know this isn't the case, or else she wouldn't have picked up her room telephone. I called the nurses and told them what she had said and that I was concerned and didn't want her to be afraid and to please try to make her as comfortable as they could. I'm still worried, though.. has anyone else ever heard of this? Is there anything more I can do for her??

Answer 1

Jeez, relax. Hospital help aren't in the habit of shoving surgical patients into closets, trust me. We'd have heard about it by now. Your extremely nervous and she's drugged which is a good thing. They will check on her periodically and now that you've called they are aware someone is watching out for her. Also, she has a Nurse call button when she needs it, remember! Your mother is an adult, in an adult situation with TRAINED CAREGIVERS watching out for her, she could not be safer!

What you need to do is slow down, and recite The Serenity Prayer to remind you that there are some things you cannot change, some things there are, and that sometimes we need to be reminded of the difference.

I recommend you call your Mothers room first thing in the morning to relax mentally. I'm sure they will let her out of the closet by then ::kidding::

Answer 2

Please try not to be too worried. I know it is alarming to hear what your mom is saying but I (like you) am positive the nurses have not shoved her in a closet. Most likely, she is very disoriented from her pain medications and the strange hospital environment. Everyone reacts to them differently, and sometimes they can cause people to hallucinate. Even when people are disoriented, they still respond to some things normally, like telephones and televisions. It is good that you called out of concern, but also remember that the nurses are assessing her frequently and assessing her mental status is part of that check. If there is a big change (sounds like there is) they will act accordingly. They may need to change her medication. A huge thing is allowing someone to get several hours of sleep. I worked in a surgical ICU for 3 years and this happened with many of our paitients. It is actually called "ICU delerium" and is a real, studied, documented phenomenon related to the strange hospital environment, new medications, process of an illness, and lack of sleep. Your mom may not be in ICU, but she can still have the symptoms. Please try not to worry too much tonight. Hopefully she is going to get the sleep she needs and will feel better in the morning. State your concerns again tomorrow if she is still disoriented and ask what their plan is. By the way, every now and then, we'd have a security guard come to our room and check in on us because a disoriented patient would call 911 and say they were being held captive and tortured ,when really they were safe in their room but having hallucinations. We'd give them medications to help stop the hallucinations and keep them comfortable, hopefully let them sleep, and they'd be better the next day. Hang in there! If you feel that you need to go be with her, find out the visitation policy before you go. Many hosiptals or units will not let visitors stay overnight.

Answer 3

Here is an idea on what you can do, go to your dads house and you your dad and the kids can go to the hospital at least you will be there for her cause i am sure thats what she wants the most. I have never heard of such a thing about putting them in the closet however they could be mistreating her and i hate to put this on much more of a worry to you but sweety there are sick freaks out there and i think its best you get down there immediatly {my grandmother came home from the hospital with bruises up and down her arm i dont know what really went on in that hospital} Please find a way down there and get your father at least while your sister is in school just to make sure and to put your mind at ease.

Answer 4

I have heard of this, it can be very common depending on the pain medication your mother is on. If she is older or elderly, she can easily get disoriented with the pain meds. Many times the only thing that can be done is wait it out. A lot of times it takes going home to become oriented again but this can't always happen quickly. It's hard on the family, but our bodies work in different ways and family members need to be patient even though it can difficult.

Answer 5

Your Mom sounds like she is reacting to the pain meds, I would do what ever I could to be with my Mom, she needs you right now, get a sitter and go to the hospital.

Answer 6

i havent heard of that before but she is your mom and just to be on the safe side u should go to the hospital to check for yourself to see if everything is ok. have someone watch your kids so you can go check on your mom. good luck!!